The Hindu Business Line : Project to isolate drought tolerant genes in plants

IN a biotech initiative that could impact dryland farming in the country, the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), here is working on a project to isolate genes responsible for drought tolerance from local land races and soil bacteria.

The CRIDA scientists said the initial findings proved that certain genes could provide resistance to droughts.

According to Ms Maheshwari, who is heading the project, the research was aimed at enhancing drought tolerance of sorghum through introduction of the resistant gene (s). The project is supported by the Andhra Pradesh-Netherlands Biotech Programme, Osmania University, University of Delhi and the Hyderabad-based National Research Centre for Sorghum.

But why only sorghum? "Because erratic rainfall and frequent intermittent and terminal dry spells seriously affect yields in this crop. It weathers the drought spells most. It is the most ideal crop for the study," she said.

"If we succeed in this, we can replicate the same with other dryland crops as well," she said.

She, however, said that it would take at least three-and-half years before making a breakthrough in this direction. "Unlike tolerance to insects, abiotic stress tolerance in plants involves many genes and it requires a long-term effort," she said.

At present, the institute is attempting to transfer three genes involved in stress tolerance to sorghum. They are: mtlD for biosynthesis of mannitol, coda for biosynthesis of glycinebetaine and p5csf129A for over-production of praline.

"Once the genes are introduced, the resultant plants will be evaluated for the success of the gene transfer and the resultant performance," Ms Maheswari said.

Dr Venkateswaralu, a Principal Scientist with CRIDA, however, felt that it was too early to comment on the possible impact of the process. "Experiments are also underway in China and the US in this regard. But no product has been reached to the farmer yet," he said.

"The kind of stresses in this area is difficult unlike in pests and diseases. We need to initiate a long-term study. This is part of our national endeavour to build a local gene pool," he said.

The CRIDA scientists, led by its Director Mr Y.S. Ramakrishna, were addressing a news conference to brief the activities of the institute to mark the National Science Day, which falls on February 28.

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